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Home » Our Work » Community Investments » Funding and Scholarship Opportunities » Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship
For Emerging Leaders

Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship

On November 5, 2022, the world lost a beautiful light, Brenyale Toomer-Byas. Brenyale was a loving daughter, a caring friend, a dedicated colleague, a passionate mentor, a talented strategic thinker, and so much more. The Orange County community is grateful that we had the privilege of knowing and working with Brenyale. She approached life and leadership with happiness and positivity. We will always remember her contagious laugh, listening ear, and warm smile.

Brenyale was passionate about the pursuit of higher education. To honor Brenyale’s life and legacy, we have established the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship for Emerging Leaders.

Scholarship(s) will be awarded for $2,500 to at least one Orange County nonprofit leader seeking to pursue post-graduate studies.

Donate to the Fund

Apply for the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship

We are pleased to share the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship opportunity with you.

 

Here is the timeline for the 2026 Application cycle: 

 

  • Release Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 – Click Here for the application
  • Due Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 by 12 p.m.
  • Award Decision & Announcement: Friday, April 3, 2026
  • Award Presentation: Thursday, April 9, 2026

 

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact Carol Kim, Senior Director, Community Investments and Evaluation via email.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to receive award, applicant must be available to attend
in person on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at our annual Scorecard event. Event details will be provided.

Past Recipients

A graduate of UC Irvine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in chemical biology, Melanie is pursuing a career in public health.

Melanie Shum

Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship Recipient

As the Home Visiting Program Director at Abrazar, Luisa is always on the lookout for community agencies to expand the resources they can offer to their clients. She’s currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.

Luisa Estanga

Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship Recipient

A champion of community service, Cynthia is committed to becoming a transformative leader in the field of social work. She is working toward her Master of Social Work degree, with the ultimate goal of addressing systemic issues and creating lasting change in our society.

Cynthia Barajas

Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship Recipient

An emerging leader with a Bachelors degree in Social Ecology, Rudy returns to UC Irvine to pursue a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning to further his passion for affordable housing and commitment to creating positive change in the community.

Rudy (Rudibel) Barbosa

Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship Recipient

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